Final Post from Russia

I received a phone call this afternoon and was asked to post a short update from the Soltsi Team. It was nearing the end of their evening and they were all getting ready for bed in preparation for an early departure tomorrow morning, not to mention a long flight. Everyone is doing well but they had no internet access and could not post to the blog themselves. However, I was assured that as soon as they get home we could all expect a post from them including lots of pictures.

Leslie, on behalf of the Soltsi Team

Saturday, August 21

Today was the last day with our new friends; it was a very sad day!  We had 27 kids come today!  Everyone was eager to sing the songs...in fact, there were a couple that we were asked to do twice.  One in particular is where Ben raps...he's just so good with it and the kids love it!  The kids were asked to come today because we wanted to give each one of them a Bible in Russian since Pastor Valari had some issues with the van and was not able to get them to us on Friday.  We had other gifts to give them and it gave us an opportunity to hang out with them a little more before we leave.

After VBS we headed over to the orphanage.  We didn't work today because Vladimir said we did such a great job sealing the playground equipment that it didn't need a second coat.  So, we spent a lot of time with the kids.  Some played on the swings, some played "football", some were just being goofy but the kids loved it!  It was a very tearful goodbye when we had to leave for lunch; some of us wanted so badly to take the girls with us but we couldn't because we were told that they will search inside the suitcases as we leave Russia. :)

After lunch we headed about 30-40 minutes outside the town and went to a river with Victor and his family, as well as a few others; it was beautiful!  We had a cookout, walked down by the river, some played a little volleyball and "football", Stef got to see a real live baby Hedgehog (it's so FLUFFY!) and we ate some great meat!!!  We had a great time fellowshiping with our new family.

It's hard to believe that we leave Sol'tsy (that's how they spell it here) tomorrow after church.  Stan is speaking some time after 11 AM and I would ask that you pray for him but you are all probably still sleeping... :)  We will not be able to post after tonight but hopefully we'll have someone post an update about us.  We did have some who wanted to make sure you knew that our flight is scheduled to arrive at Dulles on Tuesday at 4:05 PM - AirFrance, flight #24 so if you are supposed to pick someone up at the airport, you'll know what # to check on. :)...don't be late! - HA!  Truth be known...no one is ready to leave just yet!!

See you soon!

For Christ Alone,
Team Sol'tsy 

Friday, August 20

I know it's only 3:30 PM there but it's way past our bedtime here...11:30 PM! :)  The sun has finally disappeared and some of the team are in the other room talking about today.

Today was our last full day; we had 23 children come today, most were familiar faces but we had a couple of first timers.  The kids learned that God's Word is Life-Changing!  Polni Periyod!! (Let's Go)  We have some great videos of the kids dancing and singing...it has been awesome!  Today's lesson was about Peter and John and the crippled beggar.  Ben and Stef taught today's lesson and with Olga's help, they explained to the children how they can live forever with Jesus.  Please lift up these little ones in your prayers.  We were going to give each child their own Bible (Pastor Valari and Leo headed to Novgorod to pick them up) but had car trouble and was not able to get back in time so we've asked the kids to come back tomorrow (Saturday)...this way each child will receive their very own copy of God's word!

After VBS we had a huge lunch and then headed to the orphanage to complete the project...which we did!  But we must be honest and give all the credit to Vladimir (Elya's brother), Ivan (Elya's father), Victor, Uri, Nikoli...they had so much already completed before we got here, it made it so easy.  We've had an opportunity just about every day to play with an/d spend time with the girls from the orphanage.  They are so sweet; we all want to take at least one, if not all of them home with us.

We worked until after 8 PM and then walked back to the center for dinner.  It's a good thing we're doing all this walking... After dinner we hung out with a couple of the guys from the center.  We've actually been spending time with them as well while we've been here.  What a great relationship we have started.  A couple of them sang for us which was a big treat.

We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow...we are meeting with the kids after breakfast and then finishing the second coat of sealant on the playground.  It is now 12:20 AM and we're all heading to bed.  Until next time...

For Christ Alone,
Soltsi Team

Thursday, August 19

Sorry for the late post...technical difficulties...

How many Americans does it take to open a lock?...you'll have to read the blog to find the answer!!

Today at VBS the kids learned that God's Word is Surprising.  We had about 25 show up even with all the rain - praise God! :)  The kids are getting so good with the songs and enjoy it when Ben breaks out with his rap!  In fact, Ben is one of the highlights on this trip...he's been told that he must always come to Russia! :)  Today's craft was t-shirts; the kids used fabric markers to draw, write and decorate a shirt to keep.  We even brought little gems in many different shapes to glue on their shirts.  These kids are so talented; we'll try to post some pictures later.  We did recreation inside and had chocolate for snack...that was a huge hit!  Afterwards, some of us had the kids sign our t-shirts and it will be a treasure to help us remember them for years to come.

Yesterday was Transfiguration Day.  As explained by Olga, Russians celebrate more holidays than we do in the US. :)  In light of this, and due to the pouring rain, we did not work at the orphanage today but some of the men did.  After lunch, Amber and Stephanie were able to work a little on the mural they have been helping Uri with; he is the local artist and does exceptional work!  He has done chalk portraits for all the girls.  The rest of us got ready to go to a little shop/museam in the villiage.  Once Amber and Stephanie arrived, we headed to the shop, we met Sergi Skirchenko, the director, and he gave us a tour and a little history lesson on Soltsi and then allowed us to buy some his clay creations.  I think they call him the "toy maker".

We returned to the center for dinner and then headed to church for Wednesday fellowship, where they fed us again.  Pastor Valari asked Stan to come up and introduce the team and we sang a song in Russian.  Afterwards we went into the "dining room" and socialized with some of the church members.  When we got home, we walked from the center to our house and couldn't unlock the door.  Sasha, son of Victor, came to help us but couldn't get it to unlock and when Victor came by to check on the goats, we told him we were having trouble and he yelled out to Nadya, "Nadya, go get mama!" LOL, it was so funny.  Anyway, Tatiana came and even she couldn't get it to unlock.  So, the answer to the riddle above is, none, it takes a Russian with a crowbar!  I guess you had to be there! LOL

It was a late evening but we had a wonderful time with our new brothers and sisters!  We are getting ready for VBS this morning so I have to go help set up.  We miss and love you all!

For Christ Alone,
Team Soltsi

Wednesday, August 18

Привет из Росссии!  Greetings from Russia!

God's Word Is Comforting.

Today was a great day; we had 23 children arrive for VBS and decided not to break out into groups again; we are expecting even more tomorrow.  We started the day with singing; the kids are really getting into the movements. :)  They love that we can actually sing some songs in Russian.  In craft today we made our name tags and the balancing birds.  Even with the language barrier (because Olga & Elya can't be everywhere :) the kids are great at understanding things when we show them.  We've even learned new words that helps us communicate and the kids are quick to refine them. :)

After craft we went into our Bible lesson.  Today we talked about Paul and his journey as a prisoner on a boat.  The kids were very interested in the story as Mike and Amanda told it with great enthusiasm...the other crew members joined in with sound effects and of course...water sprays from the "ocean".  The children were told that even though Paul was being held captive, he comforted the men by giving them food, by asking God to bless them and by telling them the ship would wreck but they would be safe.  The kids learned that God's word is comforting.  After snack we set up the face painting station which is a big hit and added hair decorating and pedicures (we painted the girls fingernails and put stickers on them) - that also became a big hit.  We're already building relationships with the kids and they want to stay and play all day. :)

After lunch we headed over to the orphanage to work.  We actually found out after the fact that the inspector was actually scheduled yesterday and did not come to the orphanage because of us.  In fact, he was very pleased that we were working, painting and building.  One of the little girls from the orphanage asked him if her American friends can help paint and he said Da (yes). :)  We did a lot of work but also took some time to play 'football' with the children.  It was great!!

We're getting ready for dinner now (its about 7 PM) and later we will have our group and quiet time before bed.  We're still having technical difficulties with posting more than one photo with words so we'll probably just post all photos and explain them later. :)

We miss and love you all!

For Christ Alone,
Team Soltsi

Tuesday, August 17

Today was the first day of VBS!  God's Word Is True!

We arrived at 9 AM for breakfast and afterwards we practiced our songs in preparation of the children that would be arriving.

We had about 11 show up at 10 AM and we got started with Elya welcoming them and explaining a little of what to do.  We had such a small group we decided not to break out into teams so we all stayed together.

Apparently the kids in the nearby towns were trying to catch up on their sleep before school starts because shortly after craft and right before the Bible lesson (around 10:45 AM) more kids had arrived.  We were very excited to see the kids actually participate but they jumped right in.  The boy in the orange shirt sitting in the back, Andre, was a little quiet in the beginning but he ended up being the loudest when a response was required. :)  After singing we began craft and decorated the hats; the kids are very talented.  They took pride in their work and loved wearing them.

In our Bible lesson we talked about Peter and how he was in jail but the angel of the Lord appeared and freed him.  At one point in the lesson, the children are told to hide when the "guards" were banging on the door and when the blankets were tossed on the children, one of the littler girls began to cry.  The other children thought it was fun.  When Peter arrived at the home where Rhoda was a servant, and knocked, she went and told the others but they did not believe it was him, they said "it can't be true." But it was true.  The children were taught today that "true is true, and it doesn't change just because people may not believe it".  We need to help people believe in Jesus.

After our Bible lesson, we played games inside because it had begun to rain.  The children learned a new game to play, 4 Corners.  They had a great time playing and so did the team.  We enjoyed a snack of cookies and apple juice and while the kids were eating, Amber set up the face painting table and just about every child had something painted on their face or arm...some even twice! :)  Please pray a special blessing over the rehabilitation center because they have been so gracious to allow us to use their facilities.  From eating in the dining room to using their shower.  Some of the men even joined us and were a great help with the children, as they too acted like kids. :)

After lunch, were weren't able to work at the orphanage because an inspector came and were could not be there until after he left.  Meredith and Stef left with Olga, Leo and Pastor Valari and went back to Novgorod to pick up Meredith's suitcases, get some supplies and pick up our visas and more playground equipment.  PRAISE REPORT:  We had no problems registering in Soltsi - God is so great!!  We had a good time visiting with Pastor Valari.  When we returned we were told that the team was able to do some work after the inspector left.

We haven't quite figured out all the bugs in the photo posting area, but we're working on it.

Thanks for your continued prayers; we are feeling them!  Its late so we'll post more later (sorry for any typo's ).

Spakoynie Nochi (good night),
The Soltsi Team

Monday Evening

Greetings from Russia!

Thanks to Elya's brother, Vladimir and the use of his computer, we are able to post to the blog.

We weren't scheduled to begin work, but the playground equipment was ready to add a few of the swings that we brought along and the pavilion needed to be painted so we actually started the manual labor of our trip after lunch today.  Speaking of lunch...they are feeding us so well - everything is so delicious!  :)  In addition to the playground and pavilion, we are also helping with reinforcing the sandbox.   Elya's father and brother, as well as Victor, the gentleman whose home we are staying in have been working very hard and showing us how to help them with the construction.  Victor's wife is cooking and their daughters are helping.  We are having a good time even with the hard work.  We will post some pictures as soon as we can figure out why its not letting us.

We start VBS tomorrow but with a slight location change.  Instead of having it at the orphanage, we will be hosting it at the rehabilitation center.  We are all decorated and have everything ready.  We can't wait to see all the children!

Prayer Request:  When you travel to Russia, you have to register your visit within three days of arriving.  Olga told us that we may have an issue with registering in Soltsi and may have to stay in Norgorod and travel the 1 1/2 hours trip every morning.  Sergei, another pastor that is helping will go tomorrow and try to register us in Soltsi.  Please pray that we do not have any problems.

The team would like to post a few comments since its difficult to call:

Meredith:  Matt, Erica and Olivia, I love and miss you very much!!  

Ben:  Happy Birthday today Hayden! and Happy Birthday tomorrow Sean!!  To the rest of my family, Love You Guys...Russia is awesome!!  And Mom, I haven't hurt myself YET...

Stan:  I am doing surprisingly well with the Russian language - wasn't so sure how I'd do.

Stef:  I love and miss my family!  There are so many sights and smells that remind me of my home in WV: the iron water reminds me of my times at grandma's house and the sawdust reminds me of helping daddy in his workshop.

Stephanie:  Mom, Dad and Patrick, I love you Ya! (haha) By-the-way Pops, I found our first hockey player! :)

Amber:  Duck, duck, goose!  Butta, butta, wassa! (Arabic)  Utka, utka, goose! (Russian)

Amanda:  I LOVE RUSSIA!!!

Funny story:  Everyone seems to think that we'll loose several pounds since we're not eating between meals and we're working pretty hard but we're all pretty sure that Ben will pack on a few since he cleans everyone's plate!  We don't blame him...the food is wonderful!!

More tomorrow...we love you all!!

In Christ Alone,
Team Soltsi

Update from Russia

I received a phone call from Soltsi this afternoon around 2:00. I was excited to finally receive word that the Soltsi team had safely made it to Russia. I chuckled occasionally as some of the details of the past few days were revealed, but marvelled at the "trooper" spirit I could hear in the tone of their voices. Paraphrased below are some of the details that I received.


Because of the delay from the first flight (see yesterday's blog) they were scheduled to land 15 minutes before their connecting flight was to depart. During check-in it was decided by the airline that it would be best if they rescheduled their connecting flight which would cause them to have a six hour layover in Paris, France. However, only Meredith's ticket was issued correctly while the other's still had the original connecting flight. This wasn't noticed until they were about to board the plane out of Washington Dulles International Airport. Due to the current situation, they were told that the issue would have to be resolved when they landed in Paris. When the team landed in France, the airline personnel decided that they would hold the plane and rush them to catch their original connecting flight. The flight was delayed approximately 30 minutes waiting on them, but they all made the connection.


On their connecting flight from France to Russia, there was a medical emergency on the plane (not one of our team) but it resulted in an unscheduled landing in Hamburg, Germany where they were grounded for two hours before resuming their flight to Russia. They arrived in Russia on Saturday around 5:30 pm (Russia local time)...keep in mind that Russia is 8 hours ahead of VA.


They proceeded to baggage claim only to find out that their bags had not arrived with them. They filled out the necessary papers in quadruplets and waited at the airport for the next plane to arrive with their luggage. Four hours later, they were notified that their luggage had arrived, everyone's except Meredith's.


Today, Sunday, they attended a Russian church in Novgorod (the parent church is located here). According to the team, the church service lasted approximately 2 hours...a little longer than Pastor Ray's. :) The team introduced themselves in the church service and sang a song for them in Russian...one that they will be teaching at VBS (including the hand motions). The congregation was very pleased. They did some touring while they were in Novgorod and then drove on to Soltsi (the second church, rehab center, and orphanage are located here). They arrived at the house where they will be staying to find out the power was out. Some of the team actually read their training manuals and brought flashlights (thank you Richard).


Despite all the travel issues they are excited to get started and get into the orphanage. Monday will be a planning day and VBS will start on Tuesday.


They do not have a computer at this time and Meredith is still waiting on her luggage to be delivered.

Signed,
The Soltsi Team

Please continue to keep them in your prayers, they are very excited at what God is going to do through them as well as in them.

Leslie Garcia

At the Airport

The Soltsi team asked that I post the following:

"Our flight was delayed one hour and we now have a six hour layover in Paris, France. Craziness with checkin. Meredith was on the right plane and the rest were not. We will leave around [8:00 pm]."

Team Soltsi

The picture above was taken and sent during the check-in process at Washington Dulles International Airport. The caption that accompanied it said "Still smiling...even though flight delayed one hour and we'll probably miss connecting flight!"

Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

Travel Day

Just a quick note before we head out.

Everyone is very excited about what God has so graciously allowed us to participate in. We cannot stress the gratitude of your love and prayers throughout this adventure. Our flight is later this evening and we should arrive in Russia sometime on Saturday. I don't know about the others, but I am not that great when it comes to the takeing off and landing parts of flying; otherwise, I love to fly. :)

We are hoping to be able to post often but we do have someone in VA that will if we can't. Please forward our blog to others that might want to follow along with our progress.

Also, please keep our families in your prayers...they're going to really miss us. :)

We love you and thank God for you!

For Christ Alone,
Stef Kurtz
Team Soltsi

Packing Day

Although we actually packed on Sunday, August 8, we still wanted to share some pictures with you:

Elya and Ben are sorting through the many clothes that were donated for our trip. Most of the clothes that were donated came from local schools in our area and were never claimed. We can't think of a better way to give them away than giving them to an orphanage. I think Elya really liked this one.

Ben's 17th birthday was Wednesday so we celebrated in style...we ate some delicious bread pudding that his mom made. Thank you mom!! :)

It was a good day to spend together and do something for the children that we will meet and share the love of Christ with.

Thanks to everyone who has helped make this trip possible through your financial contributions, you prayers and your love. Continue to keep us in your prayers and know that we feel them even now.

For Chist Alone,

Stef Kurtz

Team Soltsi

Just 6 more days...

The countdown has begun and we're getting ready to fly out on Friday. I know I'm a little nervous but I have full confidence that God is here with us as we finalize our plans, He is there already preparing the way and His perfect Will will be done when our trip is over - no matter how badly we mess it up! :) Proverbs 16:9 says that "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." I know I will be holding onto that truth!

One praise we would like to share is that we received the letter of invitation for each team member and we pick up our visas on Monday!! Thank you for your prayers!!

Please continue to pray for our team:

Amber, Stephanie H., Stan, Stef, Daniel, Elya, Mike, Ben, Amanda and Meredith.

We have a long journey ahead of us and covet your prayers. Please continue to pray for:

- our flight to and from Russia
- no delays with our entry into Russia
- our health and spiritual well being
- VBS for the children of the orphanage, church and town
- that we will stay out of God's way and allow Him to work
- that God's Will be done
- that Christ alone will be glorified

We love each and everyone of you and thank our Father in heaven for love and prayers!

For Christ alone,

Stef Kurtz
Team Soltsi